Many individuals struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction face challenges when deciding to get treatment at a drug detox and rehab facility. Whether they’re in denial about the severity of their problem or they don’t want to face judgment from friends and family, several reasons hold people back from drug rehab.
The Importance of Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Substance use disorders (SUDs), such as drug or alcohol addiction, affect nearly 50 million individuals, including their loved ones, communities, and workplaces. Many are hesitant about or altogether avoid seeking the treatment and care they desperately need for their addiction struggles. Drug rehabilitation centers offer treatments for individuals suffering from co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction, providing a holistic approach to drug rehab. Addressing the challenges of addiction and how it affects one’s physical and psychological health is crucial for long-term recovery and a better quality of life.
8 Reasons Why People Avoid Going Into Drug Rehab
Individuals battling a drug addiction or alcohol use disorder (AUD) often have their reasons why they won’t go to drug rehab. They might be a functioning alcoholic who can’t afford to lose their job by going to rehab, or maybe they had a negative experience in the past with addiction treatment. Many people with substance use disorders (SUDs) share similar reasons for not going to rehab, so let’s take a look at eight of the most common reasons.
1. Stigma and Shame Surrounding Addiction
The stigma surrounding drug abuse and alcoholism often discourages individuals from going into drug detox or rehab treatment. They might fear judgment from their family members, friends, boss, or coworkers, which usually exacerbates feelings of shame and isolation. Unfortunately, the stigma and discrimination surrounding substance is a huge factor that deters people from seeking professional detox and rehab services. Receiving treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction is nothing to be ashamed of but rather something you should be proud of yourself for.
2. Addiction Denial
Another common reason people don’t seek treatment for their drug or alcohol abuse is their denial regarding the severity of the situation. Many struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs) tend to make excuses or underestimate how much drugs and alcohol have affected their lives. Some may believe they can overcome their addiction without rehab treatment and get sober on their own. Overcoming the obstacle of denial and recognizing the need for drug rehab and detox is often the first step toward addiction recovery.
3. Financial Concerns About Drug Rehab
The cost of drug rehabilitation and detox can be excessive and often turns people away from going into treatment. While some rehab treatment programs are costly and are not covered by insurance, there are drug rehabs that accept insurance. For someone with a weak support system or lack of resources, the financial barrier of drug rehab can be overwhelming. Facing obstacles when searching for affordable drug rehab and detox treatment often discourages struggling individuals from seeking treatment. However, finding drug rehab treatment that is covered by insurance, whether it’s partial or complete coverage, is possible.
4. Fear of the Withdrawal Process
The withdrawal process when detoxing from drugs or alcohol can be severely uncomfortable and dreadful. Withdrawal symptoms, depending on the severity of someone’s abuse and the type of substance, typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and insomnia. The physical and psychological discomfort of drug withdrawal is a significant deterrent for stopping drug or alcohol abuse. A professional drug detox and rehabilitation program, however, provides individuals with the necessary accommodations, treatments, and support to manage the withdrawal process safely.
5. Lack of Support
Those who don’t have a strong support system or may have pushed their loved ones away might feel alone and overwhelmed by the idea of going to drug rehab. Mending broken relationships or seeking out community support can facilitate the process of seeking drug rehab and addiction recovery. The journey to recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction is much more bearable when you have a community or friends and family members supporting you along the way.
6. Lack of Awareness or Access to Treatment
Specific communities, such as rural or underserved areas, may have limited knowledge about or access to quality drug rehab treatment. Other factors contributing to why many individuals don’t receive addiction treatment may include a lack of transportation, long waiting lists, or inadequate rehab facilities in the area.
7. Job and Family Responsibilities
The demands of daily life, whether it’s family or work responsibilities, make it particularly challenging for individuals to take the necessary time to go to drug rehab. The fear of neglecting family duties or losing a job makes the decision to go to rehab even more difficult. However, many drug rehab programs offer personalized treatment plans for individuals with busy schedules. Individualized programs cater to your schedule and personal responsibilities, accommodating flexibility while providing the necessary treatment.
8. Negative Treatment Experiences in the Past
Lastly, another discussed reason that holds individuals back from drug rehab is a result of a disappointing experience they might’ve had with a treatment facility. Some might feel like a rehab facility or specific treatment program failed them in their recovery process. This can raise doubts for them or skepticism about the efficacy of drug rehab. When giving rehab another chance at a different facility, treatment professionals may address the past concerns and specific approaches that weren’t effective for you and your situation.
Drug and alcohol rehab programs tailor treatment plans for your individual needs, fostering a more positive and successful treatment experience.
Drug Detox and Rehab Treatment in South Florida
Recognizing that you have a drug or alcohol problem and need treatment is the first step to sobriety. When deciding to go to drug rehab, remember that it is a choice you’re making to achieve a renewed life in long-term recovery.
For drug rehab in Stuart, FL, contact Coastal Detox today for more information on our addiction treatment services!
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023. HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data.
- American Psychological Association, 2020. Why people aren’t getting the care they need.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022. Stigma and Discrimination.
- World Health Organization, 2009. Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020. Treatment and Recovery.